7
Is Food a Possible Vector? The government asked the industry The industry asked the government How? –Where is the food supply vulnerable? What? –What agents could be successfully introduced into food? Goal? –Would the objective be death, illness, or economic disruption?

8
We don’t have answers yet Biological weapons in the traditional sense (anthrax, for example) receiving less focus Traditional food safety issues such as salmonella, E.coli, or Listeria as intential tools of terrorism receiving more focus

9
When you can’t identify the problem but need a solution Go to the closet of old ideas Use the new context to bring them back to life “Throw them against the wall and see what sticks”

10
The Bioterrorism Bill The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.3448 on December 11, 2001 The U.S. Senate passed S.1715 on December 20, 2001

11
Both Bills are very similar Differences are currently being negotiated, expect them to be finally passed by Congress and signed into law this month

12
Food Dramatically expanded authorities for the Food and Drug Administration Secretary of Health and Human Services has repeatedly stated that imported food presents the most serious bioterrorism threat –It is unclear what, if any, empirical evidence supports this claim

14
Emergency Detention Authority FDA can detain food for up to 30 days that it believes presents a threat of serious adverse health conditions or death FDA must develop expedited procedures for perishable food items

15
Debarment FDA can debar individuals from importing food for up to 5 years if such individuals: –House: repeatedly import adulterated food –Senate: engage in a pattern of importing adulterated food

19
Refused Entry Marking Products that present a serious threat of adverse health consequences or death and are therefore denied entry into the United States will be labeled as: “REFUSED ENTRY: UNITED STATES” –Container level vs. Packaging level

20
Time Frame Will become law this month Provisions will enter into force via FDA regulations over the course of 2002, earlt 2003 FDA regulations will clarify (for better or for worse) the details